Southampton midfielder Nathan Redmond has welcomed Jisheng Gao's takeover.

Redmond believes the Chinese takeover by tycoon Gao is key to taking Saints forward to the "next step".

"It shows the growth of the club, it's fantastic," said Redmond to the Daily Echo.

"I've heard a lot about Markus Liebherr and his vision and the plan they had for the club from 2009.

"Although I've come in late to that, to see it happening, to see it manifest itself in the football and training ground is admirable."